
Graphic designers, also called graphic artists, create effective and visually aesthetic designs, layouts and corporate communication strategies for clients. Some graphic designers work on-site at a firm or company; others are consultants or freelancers who work out-of-office on a contract basis. Designers can work for corporate businesses, advertising and design agencies or publishing companies.
Graphic Design Schools in Arizona
A bachelor's degree from a college, university or design school is usually required to become a graphic designer. Many schools require students to complete a year of basic art and design courses before enrolling in a bachelor's degree program. Graphic design programs usually cover coursework in principles of design, studio art, commercial graphics production and printing techniques. In addition to these art and design courses, it may be helpful to take classes in psychology, foreign languages, cultural studies, marketing and business. It is important to note that graphic designers also need to have good communication and problem solving skills as they must be able to work with clients, copywriters, vendors and anyone else involved in a design project. Arizona graphic design schools offer both online and traditional campus-based programs to give you the education and skills you need to become a graphic artist.
Graphic Designer Salaries in Arizona
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of graphic designers is expected to increase 13 percent between 2008 and 2018. Those with a background in website design or animation will see an increased demand for their services as more clients and companies move towards interactive media. To become one of the 3,260 graphic designers in Arizona, begin earning your degree from one of the following Arizona graphic design schools. As of May 2009 (latest available data), in the state of Arizona, graphic designers earned $19.94 an hour, or $41,480 annually. Opportunities for graphic designers can be found statewide, but are most common in the Phoenix area and in Tucson.
Whether you want to work for a big advertising company, start your own design firm or do part-time freelance work, earning a degree from one of the following graphic design schools in Arizona will help you achieve your goals.
Schools for Graphic Designers in Arizona are listed below.
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
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DeVry University
Phoenix
Started in 1931, DeVry has grown into one of the largest private universities in the U.S., with locations in many major metro areas.

Brown Mackie College
Tucson
Offers degree and certificate programs in business, health care, legal assistance, and computer technology. Located at 18 campuses throughout the U.S.

The Art Institutes
Phoenix, Tucson
The Art Institutes (AI) provides programs that stimulate the minds of its students with programs in design, the arts, game programming, culinary cuisine, and fashion.

Collins College
Phoenix
Originally a graphic design school started over 35 years ago, Collins College has expanded into several additional design and arts programs tailored for career-minded students.

CollegeAmerica
Flagstaff, Phoenix
For the past 40+ years, CollegeAmerica has provided education to students looking to jump start their careers in a particular field. Classes form monthly and admission is open.

ITT Technical Institute
Tempe, Tucson
With over 100 campuses in 34 states nationwide and online programs offered as well, the ITT Technical Institutes may have a program that is convenient for you. ITT Tech is dedicated to teaching technology.
| School | Locations | Degrees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeVry University Online | Online | Bachelor | |
| AIU Online | Online | Associate, Bachelor | |
| The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division | Online | Associate, Bachelor, Diploma | |
| Ashworth College | Online | Diploma | |
| Herzing College | Online | Associate, Bachelor |
| School Name | Campus | Highest Award | Enrolled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Tempe | Doctorate & First Professional | 51,481 |
| Arizona Western College | Yuma | Associate | 6,953 |
| Cochise College | Douglas | Associate | 4,133 |
| Glendale Community College | Glendale | Associate | 18,444 |
| Mesa Community College | Mesa | Associate | 24,470 |
| Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff | Doctorate | 21,347 |
| Northland Pioneer College | Holbrook | Associate | 4,686 |
| Phoenix College | Phoenix | Associate | 11,097 |
| Pima Community College | Tucson | Associate | 32,982 |
| Rio Salado College | Tempe | Associate | 18,331 |
| Scottsdale Community College | Scottsdale | Associate | 10,371 |
| The Art Center Design College-Tucson | Tucson | Bachelor | 311 |
The map below shows job statistics for the career type by metro area, for Arizona. A table below the map shows job popularity and salaries across the state.
Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Graphic Designers relative to the population of the city, as of 2008. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A Relative Popularity of 1.0 means that the city has an average number of the particular job, for its population, compared to the rest of the US. Higher numbers mean proportionally more jobs of that type.| Metro Area | Jobs | Salary (2008) | Relative Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
ARIZONA | |||
| Flagstaff | 90 | $41,290 | 1.1 |
| Phoenix | 2,880 | $45,100 | 0.9 |
| Tucson | 500 | $43,270 | 0.8 |
| Prescott | 50 | $36,750 | 0.5 |
| Kingman | 40 | $33,180 | 0.5 |
| Yuma | 30 | $35,480 | 0.3 |
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